Vietnam E-Visa Common Mistakes: Save Time & Money by Avoiding These 10 Pitfalls

The Vietnam e-visa is a PDF you apply for online, and most rejections come from paperwork rather than eligibility: a photo the portal will not accept, a port of entry that does not match the ticket, a stay that runs past the 90 days printed on the visa. These are the ten that come up most often, with what each one costs you.

1. Submitting an Incorrect Photo

One of the most frequent mistakes is uploading a photo that doesn't meet Vietnam's strict requirements. Your photo must be passport-style: white background, no glasses, no head coverings (unless for religious reasons), and a neutral expression. The file must be a JPG or JPEG of 4 cm by 6 cm and under 2 MB. The portal turns away anything larger, and it turns away a photo where the face is not straight to the camera or the background is not white. Many applicants use selfies or photos with shadows, which get rejected. Always double-check your photo against the official guidelines before uploading.

• Use a recent passport photo (taken within 6 months).
• Ensure the background is plain white or off-white.
• Avoid shadows on your face or background.
• Do not wear sunglasses or hats.

2. Entering Personal Details Incorrectly

A simple typo in your name, passport number, or date of birth can cause your e-visa to be invalid. Your name must match exactly what's on your passport: including middle names and suffixes. Double-check every character, especially for letters that look similar (e.g., '0' vs 'O', '1' vs 'l'). If you have a hyphen or apostrophe in your name, include it exactly as shown on your passport. We recommend having a friend or family member review your application before submission.

• Copy your name exactly from your passport's machine-readable zone.
• Check passport number for transposed digits.
• Verify date of birth format (DD/MM/YYYY).
• Use the same name order as your passport (not reversed).

3. Choosing the Wrong Port of Entry

The e-visa is tied to a named port of entry, and the list now runs to 83 of them: 17 international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang and 14 more), 27 land border gates (Moc Bai, Lao Bao, Huu Nghi and 24 more) and 39 seaports (Hon Gai, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang and 35 more). Resolution 389/NQ-CP added 41 of those on 2 December 2025, and two of the airports, Long Thanh and Gia Binh, only count once they open. Many travelers mistakenly select a port that isn't on the approved list, leading to rejection. If you plan to enter by land from Cambodia, ensure you choose Moc Bai or another eligible gate. You can enter through any listed port, but you must select one on your application. If your travel plans change, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa.

• Check the official list of e-visa eligible ports on the Vietnam Immigration Department website.
• Select the exact port you plan to use for entry.
• If transiting through multiple ports, choose your first point of entry.
• For land borders, confirm the crossing is open to e-visa holders.

4. Using an Invalid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vietnam. Additionally, it must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Some travelers with damaged passports (e.g., water damage, torn pages) have been denied entry. If your passport is near expiration or damaged, renew it before applying for an e-visa. Also, note that diplomatic and official passports are not eligible for e-visa; you must use a regular passport.

• Check passport expiration date: must be 6+ months beyond entry date.
• Ensure at least 2 blank visa pages.
• Passport must be in good condition (no tears, stains, or bends).
• Only regular (tourist) passports are accepted.

5. Applying Too Late or Too Early

The Vietnam e-visa processing time is typically 3 business days, but it can take up to 5 business days during peak season. Many applicants apply too late and miss their flight, or too early and name an entry date they will not use (the e-visa covers up to 90 days from the date you name, and the clock starts on that date whether you arrive or not). The best time to apply is 2-3 weeks before your trip. This gives you a buffer for any delays and keeps the date you named within reach.

• Apply 2-3 weeks before your departure date.
• Check that your exit date falls inside the 90 days you asked for.
• Factor in weekends and Vietnamese public holidays (e.g., Tet).
• If you need urgent processing, use the 'urgent' service (extra fee).

6. Ignoring the 'Purpose of Visit' Field

The e-visa is for tourism, business, or transit purposes only. Some applicants select 'other' or leave this field blank, which can cause rejection. Be specific: if you're visiting for a conference, select 'business'; if it's a vacation, select 'tourism'. If you're visiting family, a TT visitor visa or the five-year visa exemption for overseas Vietnamese and their foreign spouses may fit better than a tourist e-visa. Misrepresenting your purpose can lead to denial at the border.

• Select 'tourism' for sightseeing, holidays, or visiting friends (not family).
• Select 'business' for meetings, conferences, or work (requires an invitation letter).
• Do not select 'other' unless absolutely necessary and provide a clear explanation.
• For family visits, look at a TT visa or the five-year visa exemption.

7. Not Checking the E-Visa Status

After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference code. Use this code to check the status on the official Vietnam Immigration website. Some applicants assume their visa is approved and only discover issues at the airport. We recommend checking the status daily until you see 'Approved'. If your application is rejected, you'll receive a reason (e.g., photo issue, incorrect info) and can reapply. Don't wait until the last minute.

• Save your application reference code and password.
• Check status at: https://evisa.gov.vn
• If status shows 'Processing', wait patiently: don't submit a duplicate application.
• If rejected, review the error and correct it in a new application.

8. Not Printing the E-Visa

Your approved e-visa is a PDF file that you must print and carry with you. Some travelers rely on a digital copy on their phone, but immigration officers require a physical printout. Print at least two copies: one to present at entry and one as a backup. Make sure the print is clear and all details are legible. Also, keep a copy in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag.

• Print the e-visa in color or black and white (color is preferred).
• Use high-quality paper to avoid smudging.
• Carry a backup copy in a separate bag.
• Do not fold or damage the printout.

9. Overlooking the Validity Window

The e-visa runs for up to 90 days from the entry date you name, and it stops on the exit date printed on the PDF. Some travelers assume they can stay longer, or arrive after the window has opened. Overstaying is not a small matter: since Decree 282/2025 the fines sit in seven brackets, from 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND for under 16 days up to a 40,000,000 VND ceiling past 90 days, and deportation becomes a sanction the office can add. If your trip runs past 90 days, you need an embassy visa, a temporary residence card, or a sponsored visa arranged before the current one ends. Always plan the itinerary inside the window you were given.

• Count the days from your entry date to your exit date: 90 or less.
• If you need longer, look at an embassy visa or a temporary residence card.
• A single-entry e-visa ends when you leave the country. Coming back needs a new visa, or the multiple-entry version, which carries a USD 50 government fee instead of USD 25.
• An e-visa cannot be extended from inside Vietnam. You leave and apply again, or move to a sponsored visa before it expires.

10. Using Unreliable Third-Party Websites

Many travelers fall victim to scam websites that charge inflated fees for e-visa processing. The official Vietnam e-visa fee is $25 (USD) for single entry, but some sites charge $50-$100 for the same service. Worse, some fake sites steal your personal information. Always use the official government portal (evisa.gov.vn) or a trusted service like NamVisa.com. We offer transparent pricing and a secure application process, with support if errors occur.

• Only use the official government website or reputable agencies.
• Check for secure connection (https://) and contact information.
• Read reviews before using any third-party service.
• Beware of sites that ask for extra fees for 'guaranteed approval'.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam E-Visa Mistakes

Vietnam E-Visa Processing Times and Costs

Final Tips for a Smooth Vietnam E-Visa Experience

By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you can ensure your Vietnam e-visa is approved without hassle. Remember to apply early, double-check your details, use the correct port of entry, and print your visa. If you're unsure about any step, consider using a professional service like NamVisa.com to handle the process for you. We've helped thousands of travelers get their e-visas quickly and accurately. Safe travels!